Salomon Padouk flooring |
Padouk-species in comparison: left: Padouk, west african, old right: Muninga, Padouk East Africa bottom: Salomon Padouk |
S.P. after 6 years outdoors |
Names and distribution: Botanically Solomon Padouk (Pterocarpus indicus) belongs to the Papilionaceae, a subfamily of legumes. The species is also found as PNG Rosewood in trade and resembles teak in its appearance and its properties. Related to Burma Padauk (P. macrocarpus) and the African Padouk species (P. soyauxii, P. angolensis).
Appearance: Heartwood golden, occasionally pink stripes. Overall, wider color gamut than Teak. Sapwood pale light with a distinct edge. On light, development of a uniform color. Pores are medium to coarse, scattered and not numerous. Storage cells in eye-shaped fields around the pores. Medullary rays very fine and arranged in storeys. Radial growth zones differ significantly. Often intricate grain, flatsawn sometimes wild image, riftsawn image (stripe) rather simple. Altogether decorative.
Properties: Density at 12% MC is 0.65 to 0.72 t/m3. The dimensional change per 1% change of MC is 0.24% in tangential direction and 0.17% in radial direction, both of low values. Salomon Padouk shows an excellent stamina. Salomon Padouk is easy to dry without cracks, it can be processed with all tools without difficulty. Pleasant sweet odor during processing. It is possible to produce decorative and smooth surfaces.
The Brinell hardness is 35, the modulus at about 13,000 N/mm2. Salomon Padouk is weather resistant (durability class 1-2).
Note: Tends "to bleed" when fresh, that is soluble components are washed out by rain. Appropriate measures need to be taken (wet brush, oil, glaze).
Use: Equipment and construction wood for the interior and exterior, boat building, for dimensionally stable framework, flooring, furniture, musical instruments.
Replaces: Teak, Iroko-Kambala, Niangon
Note: according to the latest findings, but without any warranty